Sunbathe and Swim at Koh Samui Beaches

Koh Samui's beaches provide variety and serenity in equal parts. Chaweng Beach is one of the most popular on the island and the most developed. It's home to luxury resorts like Vana Belle and Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort. Chaweng Noi, to the south, is one of the top-rated beaches in Thailand.

On the less developed southeast coast lies Laem Set beach. This peaceful, palm-fringed slice of paradise has a beautiful coral garden off the coast and unusual rock formations. To catch the sunset, head northwest to Phang Ka beach for a spectacular view.

At Lamai Beach, Koh Samui's second-largest resort area, look for the distinctive rock formations colorfully described as "Grandpa" (Hin Ta) and "Grandma" (Hin Yai), referring to the anatomical likeness to their names.